Frequently Asked Questions

If you provide any interpreting for remuneration, then you must have a license or permit regardless of your job title or main responsibilities.
This applies to every situation/agency (i.e. legal, medical, educational, etc.). The only exemptions are interpreting religious services and volunteered interpreting.
Volunteered interpreting while in your regular employment capacity is not considered volunteering â€“ that is considered for remuneration.

Permit holders, who comply with the requirements, documentation of passing an approved code of ethics test and approved performance test (see law for approved permit levels)
and annual participation in approved Continuing Education Program (CEP) may reapply annually to maintain permit status.

Up to a $1,000 fine and a Class C misdemeanor may be imposed per occurrence. The Alabama Licensure Board for Interpreters and Transliterators may suspend or
revoke the license or permit of the person charged with violating the law.

For hearing and deaf consumers throughout the state of Alabama, it allows a mechanism to ensure quality services are provided. This protects both the hiring agency and the deaf individual.
For interpreters, one advantage is that certification presents a â€œtrue measure of professionalism.

The shortage is in qualified interpreters. Additionally, this licensure does allow non-certified interpreters to work before obtaining a license. If someone is financially
benefiting from providing interpreter services, they must also be willing to accept responsibility for their work.